Any recommendations for a beginner?
That's a toughie – not knowing where you are on the foodie spectrum. Indian combines often surreal flavors and ingredients that can bewilder Americans. (Carrots, cucumber & garlic in yogurt = "fan favorite" really?"
I would start safe: Butter Chicken.
Standard recipe calls for: 2 cups heavy cream, 8 tablespoons butter, 6 tablespoons olive oil.....can you go f#%king wrong? Try their "garlic nan" bread – Indian equivalent to garlic bread.
And it's the sauces to cool your mouth when you eat spicy curries that push your calorie count through the roof. Always make certain you have "Raita". A cool yogurt side (any good Indian spot includes this free). It's the sour cream to Mexican food – for Indian food. Identical.